Procedure ID no 0464/05
ELECTRICAL TESTING PROCEDURE
This procedure is applicable to: All Department of Education and Children's Services employees.
DOCUMENT CONTROL Managed by:
Phil O’Loughlin
Responsible position:
Executive Director Human Resource &
Workforce Development
Version:
1
Contact person:
Voula Panayotopoulos
Approved by:
Chief Executive
File number:
0464/05
Contact position:
Director, Health and Safety Services
Date approved:
11 September 2011
Status:
FINAL
Contact number:
8226 0949
Next review date:
10 September 2014
Security classification:
Health and Safety Services
Document uncontrolled when printed
CONTENTS
1. TITLE...3
2. PURPOSE ...3
3. SCOPE ...3
4. OBJECTIVES ...3
5. PROCEDURE DETAIL ...4
5.1 TESTING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT...5
5.2 DUTIES OF MANAGERS ...5
5.3 HIRED / LOANED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - SITE MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES...6
5.4 ELECTRICAL COMMERCIAL CLEANING EQUIPMENT USED AND OWNED BY THE SITE - SITE MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES ...6
5.5 RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES (RCDs) - SITE MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES...6
5.6 LEGISLATIVE REPORTING ...7
6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...8
7. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW ...8
8. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS...8
9. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS ...10
10. REFERENCES ...10
APPENDIX 1 RCD TESTING ...11
APPENDIX 2 HOST SITES ...12
APPENDIX 3 RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICE (RCD) TESTING ...13
REVISION RECORD Date Version Revision description
7/1/10 1 H&SS review
1. TITLE
Electrical Testing Procedure.
2. PURPOSE
This procedure provides direction and information for site managers, employees and others regarding the testing of electrical equipment on DECS sites. It aims to ensure the integrity of electrical appliances and cables in sites and the safety of personnel who use them, by:
2.1 Complying with relevant legislation and codes of practice on electrical testing and the South Australian Public Sector Code of Practice for Crown Self-Insured Employers.
2.2 Complying with the DECS Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare and Injury Management Policy.
2.3 Maximising organisational health, safety and welfare while delivering high quality service and learning outcomes for students and children.
2.4 Satisfying the requirements of the Safety in the Public Sector 2007-2010 Strategy (SIPS).
2.5 Managing risks associated with electricity.
3. SCOPE
This procedure applies to all DECS sites.
4. OBJECTIVES
4.1 To develop and facilitate best practice electrical safety, including testing, procedures.
4.2 To reduce the incidence of workplace injury and illness.
4.3 To assist site managers to identify, implement and review electrical hazard control measures.
5. PROCEDURE DETAIL
EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES ELECTRICAL TESTING FLOWCHART
Identify equipment and appliances requiring testing and record them in the Electrical Testing Register.
Ensure that a qualified technician has calibrated the test equipment within the last 12 months.
Undertake risk assessments to identify the required frequency of testing according to AS/NZS 3760:2003
and record in the Electrical Testing Register.
Set testing timeframes.
A competent person (i.e. a contractor or trained staff member) is engaged to conduct testing of
the equipment and appliances.
Equipment and appliances are tested.
Record testing information in the Electrical Testing Register.
5.1 TESTING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT 5.1.1 DECS will:
(i) Provide tags and an electrical testing grant to sites to assist in the testing of portable electrical equipment.
(ii) Identify a number of host sites, which will be resourced with the electrical testing appliance and electrical testing tags. A list of the host sites is provided in Appendix 2.
(iii) Organise training for nominated electrical testers.
5.1.2 Individual sites have the authority to engage suitably qualified external contractors, or identify and train staff members to conduct the testing.
5.1.3 Staff members conducting the testing should be paid, or credited additional hours, or to have their normal work back-filled.
5.1.4 Trained staff members are advised to contact the host sites to arrange access to the testing equipment and tags.
5.2 DUTIES OF SITE MANAGERS Site managers have duties to:
5.2.1 Conduct a risk assessment of all electrical appliances that have a flexible cord, including cord extension sets (extension leads) and electric portable outlet devices (EPOD/Power Board).
5.2.2 Identify the need and frequency of testing. e.g. No testing required, 5 yearly testing for static office equipment or 12 monthly testing where there is a likelihood of wear, tear, abuse, flexing of cord or use near water.
Electrical equipment requiring particular testing assessment includes:
(i) Hand held.
(ii) Moved while in operation.
(iii) Moved often when damage to flexible supply cord could occur.
(iv) Used in an environment where damage to the equipment or flexible cord can occur.
(v) Used near water.
5.2.3 Record all electrical equipment and their risk assessment results on the site’s Electrical Testing Register. Ensure the Register is regularly reviewed and is up-to-date.
5.2.4 Visually inspect all new portable electrical equipment for damage to the appliance or cord prior to use. Attach a tag, record for next scheduled testing cycle and include in the Electrical Testing Register. Ensure that a competent and appropriately trained person completes the electrical testing.
5.2.5 Use appropriate tags on compliant equipment that gives the name of the person/company completing the testing, the test date and the next test date.
5.2.6 Test and tag any privately owned electrical appliances brought onto the site prior to use. (e.g. heaters, frypans, crock pots, kettles etc.)
5.2.7 Immediately remove from service and attach a “Danger Tag” to non-compliant electrical equipment and arrange for their repair or disposal. If being disposed, the equipment
must be rendered inoperable by severing the electrical cord to the appliance.
EQUIPMENT TAGGED AS FAULTY MUST NOT USED.
5.2.8 Contact the Procurement Unit on 8226 3332 before disposing of computers or electrical plant that has a significant monetary value. Also consider the DECS fact sheet GEN 4 - Disposal of Plant.
5.2.9 Ensure:
(i) Site-owned electrical testing equipment is calibrated and serviced annually.
(ii) The maintenance register is updated.
(iii) All documentation relating to the calibration and service are kept until next calibration.
5.2.11 Inform contractors and tradespersons if hard-wired (i.e. non-portable) RCDs are not installed at the site.
5.3 HIRED / LOANED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - SITE MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES Site managers have duties to ensure:
5.3.1 Risks associated with electrical equipment that is hired / loaned are assessed.
5.3.2 Equipment that is hired / loaned by (or brought onto) the site is inspected prior to hire / use, and has been tested and tagged within 3 months of the hiring / loaning. An inspection consists of a visual and tactile examination of the cord, plug and equipment to ensure their integrity. i.e. no cuts, breaks, burns or exposed wires.
5.3.3 Equipment that the site hires / loans to other persons is inspected prior to hire / loan, and has been tested & tagged by the site within 3 months of the hiring / loaning.
Equipment returned after hire / loan must pass a visual inspection before being reused.
Equipment that has not been electrically tested within 3 months of hire, or has any fault or illegal modification, must not be hired-out until it is either electrically tested or repaired by an appropriately qualified person. Sites must also provide safe operating procedures with the hired / loaned equipment where applicable.
5.4 ELECTRICAL COMMERCIAL CLEANING EQUIPMENT USED AND OWNED BY THE SITE - SITE MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES
Site managers have duties to ensure:
5.4.1 Class I equipment (protectively earthed) is tested every 6 months.
5.4.2 Class II equipment (double insulated) is tested every 12 months.
5.5 RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES (RCDs) - SITE MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITIES Site managers have duties to ensure:
5.5.1 All hardwired RCDs are maintained in a safe operating condition and tested according to the following schedule:
(i) Trip tested at least annually by a competent person at the site, or trip tested quarterly if the RCDs are in a dusty, wet or corrosive (i.e. where corrosive chemicals are used) environment or outside.
(ii) Repaired by an electrician, if on testing, the RCD does not trip.
(iii) Inspected and tested by a qualified technician or electrician every three years and the RCD repaired or replaced if it fails the test. This is done through DECS programmed maintenance.
(iv) Included in the site’s OHS&W Management plan for testing.
(v) Test and maintenance records are kept for 5 years.
(vi) Tasks related to updating the RCD register are recorded on Business Manager.
5.5.2 All portable RCDs used in office, laboratory, kitchen or classroom environments are used and tested according to the following schedule:
(i) A portable RCD must be used on moveable equipment that is not covered by a non-portable RCD.
(ii) Trip tested by means of the built-in test facility before it is used on any day.
(iii) Trip tested every three months if it has not been used during that period.
(iv) Repaired or replaced, if on testing the RCD does not trip.
(v) Tested every two years or during the annual testing regime by a competent person and repaired or replaced if the RCD does not trip within 300 milliseconds at a tripping current of not more than 30mA.
5.5.3 Site managers must maintain a Non-Portable (hardwired) RCD Register that includes the following:
(i) The trip testing conducted by the site.
(ii) The 3 yearly tests conducted by qualified technicians or electricians.
5.5.4 Tasks related to updating the RCD register are recorded on Business Manager.
5.5.5 If an RCD trips when an electrical appliance is in use:
(i) The electrical appliance is withdrawn from service, tagged with ‘Danger Tag’
and submitted for assessment by a competent person. e.g. an electrician.
(ii) The appliance is tested prior to re-use. If the problem is not with the appliance a qualified technician or electrician should test the RCD.
5.6 LEGISLATIVE REPORTING
In the case of an electrical shock or dangerous electrical occurrence the site manager must:
(i) Notify The Office of Technical Regulator Telephone: 8226 5500 - Fax: 82265523.
(ii) The site manager must notify SafeWorkSA:
As soon as practicable after it occurs by telephoning 1800 777 209
In writing within 24 hours of the occurrence; i.e. Complete a Notification of Dangerous Occurrences Form available from the SafeWork SA website and fax a copy to SafeWork SA (Fax No. 8204 9200).
Keep the original copy of the form for local records.
It may be necessary to secure the site of the injury or dangerous occurrence as further investigation may be required. Note: Work must not recommence after a dangerous occurrence until approved by the investigating officer(s) from SafeWork SA.
6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
POSITION ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SITE MANAGER
Site managers are responsible for integrating DECS OHS&W and injury management policy and procedures in their operations. Site managers must:
As far as is reasonably practicable, provide safe systems of work to either prevent or minimise risks in the workplace.
In consultation with employee representatives, systematically identify hazards associated with the use of electricity, analyse all risks and apply appropriate controls.
EMPLOYEES AND OTHERS
All employees are responsible for their own health and safety (Section 21 OHS&W Act 1986), and must:
Identify electrical risks.
Follow all reasonable instructions in relation to this procedure.
Engage in the consultative process.
Report electrical hazards to the site manager.
Undertake electrical safety / testing training as required.
HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE
(HSR)
HSRs present electrical hazard concerns to the site manager on behalf of the workgroup. Their roles and responsibilities are governed by the Occupational Health Safety and Welfare Act 1986.
7. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW
7.1 The state-wide consultative system, including this procedure will be evaluated for effectiveness every 3 years by a sub-committee of the State OHS&W Consultative Committee.
7.2 Individual sites shall review and evaluate the effectiveness of their processes annually.
7.3 Site managers must ensure that employees are consulted and provided with any necessary instruction, training and supervision to ensure that control measures are effectively implemented.
8. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
TERM MEANING
CLASS I EQUIPMENT Basic insulated, protectively earthed equipment.
CLASS II EQUIPMENT
Double insulated equipment that is generally manufactured with a non-conductive (insulated) enclosure, and is marked either with the words
‘DOUBLE INSULATED’ or with the symbol to allow easy identification.
COMPETENT PERSON A person, deemed capable of correctly performing the task by the site manager based on their knowledge,
skill, level of training, experience or a combination of these factors.
CORD EXTENSION SET (EXTENSION LEAD)
An assembly of 3 parts; a plug intended for connection to a mains outlet socket, a sheathed flexible cord and a cord extension socket.
DECS Department of Education and Children’s Services.
ELECTRIC PORTABLE OUTLET DEVICE (EPOD)
(POWER BOARD)
A device, other than a cord extension set, having a single plug intended for connection to a mains outlet socket, a sheathed flexible cord and an assembly of outlet sockets.
FIXED EQUIPMENT Equipment which is fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specific location.
FLEXIBLE SUPPLY CORD
A flexible cable or cord, for supply purposes, which has one end connected to a plug with pins designed to engage with a socket outlet, and the other end either connected to terminals within the equipment or is fitted with a connector designed to engage with an appliance inlet fitted to the equipment.
INSPECTION
Visual and tactile examination of electrical cord, plug and equipment to ensure integrity; e.g. no cuts, burns, breaks, exposed wires, illegal modifications or damage.
MUST Indicates that a statement is a legislative requirement RCD See Residual Current Device.
RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICE
A mechanical switching device designed to make, carry and break currents under normal service conditions and to cause the opening of the contacts when the residual current attains a given value under specified conditions.
SHALL Indicates that a statement is mandatory
SHOULD Indicates a recommendation. If this recommendation is not adopted then an equivalent or higher standard of health and safety shall be provided by another method.
SITE MANAGER Any person who has responsibility and control of a DECS site or work unit. This includes, but is not limited to Executive Directors, Regional Directors, Directors and Principals.
9. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
As a guide, records must be retained, in accordance with the following table:
Description of Record Disposal Schedule
Reference
Records relating to the acquisition of equipment not unique to the agency and not containing asbestos or hazardous materials.
Authority Number:
2006/GDS15(V7) : 3.3.2 TEMPORARY - Destroy 5 years after last action
Records relating to the maintenance of other items of equipment. Authority Number:
2006/GDS15(V7) : 3.67.4
TEMPORARY - Destroy 5 years after last action
A record of the results of a test carried out on an R.C.D., other than a daily test required under AS/NZS 3760, must be kept by the owner of the R.C.D. for a period of at least 5 years from the date of the test.
OHS&W Regulations 2010, Part 2, Division 5.57(3)
TEMPORARY - Retain for at least five years from the date of the test
10. REFERENCES
AS/NZS 3760:2003 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
AS/NZS 3760:2003/Amdt1:2005 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
General Disposal Schedule 15, 7th Edition, Effective 14 November 2006 to 30 June 2011.
Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare (OHS&W) Regulations 2010, Part 2, Division 5 – Electrical.
Safework SA Electrical Inspection and Testing
Safety and Wellbeing in the Public Sector 2010 - 2015 Strategy, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Public Sector Workforce Relations.
APPENDIX 1 RCD TESTING
APPENDIX 2 HOST SITES
REGION HOST SCHOOL
ABORIGINAL LANDS N/A (OUTSOURCED)
ADELAIDE HILLS BIRDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL MT BARKER HIGH SCHOOL BAROSSA GAWLER HIGH SCHOOL
EASTERN ADELAIDE ROSE PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL NAILSWORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL
EYRE AND WESTERN
CLEVE AREA SCHOOL
EDWARD JOHN EYRE HIGH SCHOOL PORT LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL STREAKY BAY AREA SCHOOL FAR NORTH QUORN AREA SCHOOL
FLEURIEU AND KANGAROO ISLAND
KANGAROO ISLAND COMMUNITY EDUCATION - KINGSCOTE CAMPUS
LIMESTONE COAST
BORDERTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL GRANT HIGH SCHOOL
NARACOORTE HIGH SCHOOL
MURRAY AND MALLEE GLOSSOP HIGH SCHOOL
MURRAY BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
NORTHERN ADELAIDE
BANKSIA PARK INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
FREMONT-ELIZABETH CITY HIGH SCHOOL PARALOWIE SCHOOL
THE HEIGHTS SCHOOL
SOUTHERN ADELAIDE
HALLETT COVE SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL REYNELLA EAST PRIMARY SCHOOL
WILLUNGA HIGH SCHOOL WESTERN ADELAIDE GRANGE PRIMARY SCHOOL
YORKE AND MID NORTH
CLARE HIGH SCHOOL GLADSTONE HIGH SCHOOL MAITLAND AREA SCHOOL
PORT PIRIE WEST PRIMARY SCHOOL
APPENDIX 3 RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICE (RCD) TESTING
R R E E G G I I S S T T E E R R
Switch Board Number: ...
Please note:
Push button testing must be done on an annual basis. If the Power Distribution Board is sited in a dusty, hostile or wet area, testing must be done every 3 months.
Push button testing must be done on an annual basis. If the Power Distribution Board is sited in a dusty, hostile or wet area, testing must be done every 3 months.
Push button tests for fixed (hardwired) RCD’s may only be done by person/s that have received training to perform this task.
Push button tests for fixed (hardwired) RCD’s may only be done by person/s that have received training to perform this task.
Report test failure to administration for immediate attention.Report test failure to administration for immediate attention.
Test records must be kept for 5 years.Test records must be kept for 5 years.
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